LMCFR March 2015 news round-up

Solent lecturer supporting Burnley FC Academy

Associate Lecturer in Football Studies and UEFA Pro Licence coach, Kevin Braybrook, has been appointed by Burnley FC to develop coaching staff within the club's academy. The role means that Kevin will spend 3 days each week at the Premiership club where he'll work to develop the clubs elite academy coaches. The role has been created to help the club achieve its target of becoming a category 2 academy within the EPPP system. Speaking about his appointment, Kevin commented:" This role really enables me to support coaches that are making a real difference in the professional game. Burnley FC have an outstanding academy manager and staff that are working hard to produce future players. My role at Solent University allows me to transfer my academic understanding to a more practical delivery. I know Solent will benefit from the experiences I am gaining at Premier League level, and Solent students will benefit from the resources and performance understanding I am developing".

England physio provides unique insight into World Cup preparations

England physio, Gary Lewin, visited the University this week and lectured to students about the national team's preparations for last summer's World Cup in Brazil. Having experienced five World Cup's, three European Championships and an Olympic Games during a career spanning more than 200 international matches, Gary was able to provide an unprecedented level of depth, detail and knowledge in regards to the challenges that the England team faced in a range of different contexts. The lecture was followed by a lively discussion where the audience was given the opportunity to ask a range of questions that related to Gary's specific role with England and professional football more broadly. Discussing the lecture, LMCFR director, Dr Richard Elliott, commented: "I'm absolutely delighted that Gary has been able to join us again today. He's worked under seven different England managers and with some of the most high profile athletes in the world during his career. His level of experience with the England national team is unprecedented and that was clearly evidenced here today."

Centre director attends LMA President's dinner hosted by Roy Hodgson

Centre director, Dr Richard Elliott, was invited to the League Managers Association's (LMA) annual President's dinner hosted at Lord's cricket ground last week. A regular attendee at LMA events, the President's dinner is an opportunity for the LMA's partners to network with senior figures in English football and, on this occasion, to hear not only from the England Manager, but also from winning Ryder Cup Captain, Paul McGinley. Commenting on the event, Dr Elliott said: "Networking at these sorts of events is absolutely vital. The LMCFR and Solent University are well known in professional football circles via our very strong connections to the LMA. Attending various events throughout the year consolidates our position in the game."

Centre director contributes to BBC radio programme

Centre director, Dr Richard Elliott, was invited to contribute to a BBC radio archive programme this week. The programme, hosted by the BBC's Clive Anderson, focuses on issues relating to refereeing and changing attitudes towards match officials in the game. In a conversational style interview conducted by Clive Anderson and in conjunction with another studio guest (the Daily Telegraph's Jim White) the trio explored a range of issues related to refereeing at both grass-roots and professional levels. Dr. Elliott, who has worked on a number of projects involving professional match officials, spoke about a broad range of issues including the broader socio-cultural dynamics of authority and the changing nature of professional football. The programme will be aired on BBC Radio Four in April.

Norwich City placements for students

Football studies student Glodi Nakanda and football and business student Geoffrey Sanders have both been awarded year-long internships at Norwich City FC. The roles will allow Glodi and Geoffrey to gain valuable experience with the Championship club. Glodi will take up post in the club's academy where his remit relates to coaching, whilst Geoffrey takes up an operational role. Speaking about the appointments, LMCFR centre director, Dr. Richard Elliott commented: "I'm absolutely delighted that Glodi and Geoffrey have been selected for these internships at Norwich City. These posts were advertised nationally and to have two students secure employment with the club speaks volumes about the quality of our students, the education they receive and their preparedness to work in the professional football industry."